The St. Joseph County Area Marine Corps League No. 1401 received its official detachment over the weekend, making the 31-member group official in the eyes of the state commandant.

During a 45-minute ceremony at Mendon Village Hall, Lennie Brooks, Marine Corps League commandant of the Department of Michigan, administered the procedure that led to the St. Joseph County Area unit the 38th Marine Corps League in the state.

“There’s only 38 in Michigan, so it’s an exclusive group,” Brooks said after the pomp and circumstance that came with the tradition-laden procedure.

With military-style responses of “Yes, sir,” local commandant Larry Fitch answered a series of questions posed by Brooks. Many centered on whether Fitch would ensure members of the 1401 maintain the integrity of the military, allegiance to the Marine Corps and commitment to the legacy of soldiers present and past and their family members.

Brooks, who hails from the Port Huron area, was joined by a half-dozen other officials from the Michigan Marine Corps League. Each played a role in the solemn procedure.

Not until signatures of charter members of the 1401 were added and a cake was cut did the mood lighten.

Before adjourning, however, members of the 1401 were advised of the Marine Corps League staging its national convention in August 2013 in Grand Rapids. As an event of such magnitude will draw thousands of people from across the country, Brooks invited members of the St. Joseph County Area league to consider volunteering in some capacity.

Annual membership is $30 and yearly renewal will cost $18.

Brooks said a number of benevolent opportunities await the St. Joseph County-based chapter. He said the Marines’ “Wounded Warriors” regiment is a worthy cause often supported by leagues.

In addition, chapter members have the opportunity to form a rifle and pistol team to participate in competitions against other chapters. It may start its own color guard, which will add a military presence at funerals for Marines who have passed.

Marine Corps League chapters also support VA Hospitals, children's hospitals and many other benevolent causes, he said.